Locking differentials, also known as diff locks or lockers, lock the axles together forcing the wheels to rotate at the same speed, regardless of traction. This is helpful when encountering bumpy terrain or harsh weather conditions. While most cars only have one differential, a 4×4 vehicle can have a maximum of three differentials, at the front, rear, and centre.
In the UAE, off-roading is one of the most popular adventure sports. Most people drive off to the desert dunes, only a few kilometres away from the buzzing cityscapes. However, before setting off to the off-roading trails in the UAE, make sure that your vehicle and its diff locks are well-maintained.
Read on to find more about what a differential lock is and how to use it when driving. Also, get to understand when you must engage your car in diff locks.
What is a Diff Lock?
Each axle of a car bears two wheels. When a car goes straight, the wheels turn at a similar speed. But when a car turns around a corner, the wheels tend to rotate at different speeds. This happens because the wheels travel at different distances on a turn, the inside wheels travel a shorter distance than the outside wheels.
To enable the vehicle to make a sharp turn, without any damage, a differential is fixed between the two wheels. This allows the wheels to turn at different speeds and works best when driving on tar. Differentials send power to the wheel that is easiest to turn. While a diff lock locks the axle allowing both wheels to move evenly.
What Does a Diff Lock Do?
While off-roading, the differential causes a problem by transferring power to the wheel that is with the least traction (might be spinning in the air or mud). This is where diff locks come into play and secure the differential in place. A diff lock blocks the axle allowing the two wheels to turn at the same speed, regardless of traction.
Types of Diff Lock and How to Use Them?
There are two types of diff locks – automatic and manual.
Automatic Diff Locks
Automatic diff locks engage automatically when they detect that any wheel has lost traction. However, this lock disengages automatically once traction is regained. Moreover, some automatic diff locks only disengage when one wheel is required to spin more than the others.
Manual Diff Locks
Manual diff locks are managed by the driver solely. To engage a manual diff lock, the driver simply needs to push the diff lock switch. When you are out of the tricky landscape, press the diff lock button again to disengage the car diff lock. On difficult terrain, the diff lock might be needed a couple of times.
When Should Diff Locks be Used?
There can be many situations where you might lose traction and use diff locks as your ultimate saviour. Diff locks can be used in extreme weather conditions like snow or ice. A 4×4 may find differential locks handy on tricky terrains and bumpy ground, where one side of the vehicle has chances of less traction than the other. You may require it a couple of times while off-roading. One must always be equipped with the must-have off-roading accessories before going out on one.
Whereas you must never be driving with diff locks engaged on tar, or any other surface having good traction. Because this can cause damage to your car’s differentials. Moreover, diff locks must not be engaged when going on side slopes or going relatively fast.
In manual diff locks, you must disengage the car diff lock when it is no longer required. A diff lock light flashes on the instrument panel warning the driver that the lock is engaged.
Now that you know what’s a diff lock and how to use one, make sure not to engage it when on-roading. Also, you can check out these best cars for desert driving in the UAE for a thriving experience.
- Used Nissan Patrol for sale in the UAE
- Pre-owned Land Cruiser for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand Range Rover for sale in the UAE
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for further information on differential locks and car driving.
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